I'm delighted to have contributed to the March issue of P&Q ! As you know, I'm a little biased when it comes to recognising stenciling as a traditional (if mainly forgotten) quilting technique... and I was fortunate enough to have a Stenciling How to featured in this issue too. Nightshade is also featured and there's a great stenciling project (if I do say so myself!).

I've had a few emails from people wanting to know where to start with stenciling - good question! I created the stencil project in P&Q for those interesting in trying out stenciling, as well as those wanting to go one step further...this stencil can be used as a stand alone block or made to contribute to a larger quilt (coming soon in a future issue)...so if you've wanted to look into stenciling and maybe putting your hard work to good use a little later on, this issue is for you.

Of course, feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I'd love to hear from you.

Wednesday, 27 February 2008

Feel free to email me or send on a comment if you have any questions about this workshopPlease make sure you bring everything you need to make this workshop a success

Why not try a stencil quilt yourself?In this workshop you will learn one of the oldest and most charming, yet forgotten techniques in quilting : stenciling.

This Stenciled Table Runner demonstrates how the simple yet rewarding process of stenciling can be used to create beautiful and elaborate designs.

It is easy and the finished appearance is similar to that of appliqué. Although not attempting to displace beautiful appliqué, stenciling can create a similar look in a fraction of the time.

Come Prepared. To ensure you are able to fully participate in this workshop, please ensure you bring your own supply of required supplies.

In a day workshop you will :· Discuss examples of design ideas· Learn how to cut stencil from freezer paper

· Learn fabric preparation and colour mixing

· Stenciling— ‘ How To’· Fixing to set the paint· Outlining technique for stencils· Ideas and handy tips to get you started on your own designs

Requirements list:

Plain (background) fabric 130cm length x 46cm width. THIS IS THE SIZE OF THE FINISHED BLOCK. You may want a little extra fabric, just in case.

White or a very pale fabric is recommended (for succesful stencilling, a non competing print is important). 100% cotton is recommended. If you are using homespun or calico, it is recommended that you pre-wash the fabric.

You may opt to purchase your own Jo Sonja Textile Medium, however as a whole bottle is wasteful if you're not going to be using it after the workshop, I will provide just enough for you to use on the day for a small cost.

Sunday, 10 February 2008

It's been a few months since my last update - I've been too busy designing and sewing and quilting non stop.

This is a pic from my upcoming quilt Waltzing Pinks ... I'm still looking for a new domestic machine as mine is really tired from being overworked, but until it stops dead and refuses to stitch, I'll keep on.

I had several quilts on the go I just finished last week and am already working on a few more. Normally, mid year is my busiest quilting time, but this year I've been flat out early on...so hopefully I'll have some spare time to fix my website soon.

Thank you for your emails commenting on my website...there's been some technical issues which I will get around to sorting out. In the mean time, feel free to contact me here!

Welcome to My Blog

Hello, I'm Esther: a textile artist & quilter. This blog is where I share my original Free BOMs, work on projects, talk quilts and experiment with new techniques.

Find my Quilt Archives at the top of this page (and don't forget to add your own linky if you've made any of my quilts yourself) or leave a comment on the Quilt Archive Page and let us know what corner of the world you're in, it's always so nice to see how widespread our Group is!

Each Wednesday you're invited to take part in my Weekly WOWs linky party as bloggers around the world drop in to share their stash busting efforts.

And don't forget to join my BOM Groupwhere you can become a member and take part in my BOMs for free.

I'm so glad you're here

Visit my website

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Instant Digital Downloads

Wednesdays are WOW days Linky Party

Join us each Wednesday as we share our WIPs, talk techniques and inspiration. If you don't have a blog, share your own WOW by leaving a comment each Wednesday.

Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue

Here it is - my daily essential applique glue everyone always asks me about. I always buy it in the 6gram smaller size as it's easier to use in applique. I used to think this glue was 'starch' and have since been corrected on that point - but it's still my staple. It's effective yet washes away like a dream and doesn't gum up my machine when sewing.

2017 Mainly Applique Mystery BOM

Just Finished! Download NOW! My Free 2017 Block Of The Month!

It's the FINAL month of my Free BOM 2017. Diamond Hill will run Jan - July 2017 and the finished size is 72 x 72 inches. This is a Free BOM and you can download the pattern over in my BOM Quilt Group on Facebook or right here on my blog, on the 15th of each month. CLICK THIS IMAGE to go to the Diamond Hill ARCHIVE.

Have You Joined Yet?

This is the place to download current free BOM patterns, chat with others and share your ideas, tips and pics as you make any of my quilts! My Free BOM Quilt Group is located over on Facebook, click the image to apply to join. Membership is free. Click this image to join.

Start a New BOM Today!

These quilts are perpetual BOMs - you can start any time, and receive your blocks via email each month.

Sweet 2016 Wall Hanging BOM

This gorgeous quilt is ready and waiting for you to make a start! Click the image to read more about Sweet 2016!

Oma's Blues

Finished Size: 76 x 76 inches

Creative Bloggers Directory

Add your blog for free, connect with other creative people online and find exciting new blogs

Looking for one of my quilts?

Love Entwined:1790 Marriage Coverlet

Make it month by month via subscription or purchase the pattern outright. Finished Size: 96 x 96 inches.CLICK THIS IMAGE to go to the Love Entwinedl ARCHIVE.

Thursday Flowers

Red December

Finished Size: 74 x 74 inches. CLICK THIS IMAGE to go to the Red December ARCHIVE.

12 Days of Christmas

Finished Size: 42 x 51 inches. CLICK THIS IMAGE to go to the 12 Days of Christmas ARCHIVE.

Glad Tidings

A bed quilt, Throw Quilt and Table Runner

Get Together & Quilt!

Reading, Sharing & Enjoying...

These are the books I love, rely on and know to be worth their space on my shelf.

I am currently downsizing but these books are my 'essentials' and will stay with me forever. I'm often asked which books I recommend for applique and quilting (and knitting) and I know I've scribbled titles down for people whenever I am out and about, so I'm really happy to share my bookshelf titles here.

I buy a lot of my books at the Book Depository and have done for the last 5 years, I definitely recommend them as a bookseller.

'Simply Successful Applique' by Jeanne Sullivan

This is a book I am always recommending - in my opinion its the only applique book a quilter needs. I've also had the pleasure of getting to know Jean online and she is as generous and thoughtful as this book is thorough and engaging. If you don't already own this title, why ever not?!

'QuiltMaking by Hand' by Jinny Beyer

I must have recommended this book at least 100 times in the last 10 years, it's an essential read for all quilters